OSHKOSH – The new trackless train is about to leave the station.
Menominee Park will showcase the upgrade to one of its attractions for Memorial Day weekend, with the new trackless train set to make its long-awaited debut May 23.
The city made the announcement in a news release, saying it intends to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. May 23 just outside the entrance to Menominee Park Zoo across from the Community Playground.
“This is more than just the arrival of a new train — it is the return of a treasured park experience that means so much to the Oshkosh community,” wrote Park Services & Events Manager Chad Dallman in the release. “We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with our partners and supporters who helped make it possible.”
The future of the fan favorite attraction was in jeopardy last year when the Parks Department looked to ground the 40-year-old ride amid staffing issues and mounting maintenance costs.
The decision was met with severe public backlash, prompting Common Council to approve a short-term measure of using $50,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to repair the amusement ride area.
But the city found a long-term solution, with the WHW Oshkosh B’Gosh Family Fund making a donation for the new $100,000 electric, trackless train through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.
The train will now operate seven days a week, running 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
According to the release, the train is scheduled to depart every 20 minutes, with rides lasting 14 minutes. Tickets are $3 per ride and can be purchased at the Depot Window.
New road signage and pavement markings have been added throughout Menominee Park for drivers, walkers and bicyclists.
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh’s new Menominee Park train debuts for Memorial Day weekend
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
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